Mice are one of humanity’s oldest communal neighbors. Since we settled into communities, they’ve been with us, digging into our food and spreading disease. Thankfully, we now know a lot more about how to control them and the diseases they bring, but they’re still one of the most common home-invading pests. House mice, in particular, are very good at surviving indoors.
House mice, also called grey mice, are social, determined, health and safety threats to households all over the world. Keep reading to learn more about identifying common California & Arizona mice, how to prevent mice from coming inside, and the best pest control for mice.
Are House Mice Dangerous?
While not aggressive or likely to bite, house mice are dangerous in that they spread diseases like salmonella and tularemia. Their urine and droppings can also worsen asthma and allergy symptoms. These grey mice are often underestimated because of their small size. At around 3¾ inches with a four-inch tail, they have rounded bodies, large round ears, and cream-colored bellies. House mice are extremely social, sometimes form large networks of non-dominant males and reproductive females that may spread throughout the house. These short-lived animals are capable of reproducing as often as every three weeks, with an average of six young per litter.
As small as they are, and as prolific as they can become, house mice can spread over an area and fit through holes the size of a dime or cracks as wide as a pencil. As rodents, these California & Arizona mice chew through a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, vinyl, and even some soft metal screens. Their size and their chewing prowess make getting into your home easy for mice. Once inside, they can also lay waste to your wiring and insulation, putting your home at risk of a fire.
Those looking for ways to get rid of mice naturally should rely on prevention first because controlling mice through over-the-counter methods won’t take care of an entire population.
How To Prevent Mice
The best pest control for mice is home maintenance and sanitization. These little guys love human food and leaky pipes, so taking care of your home is a great way to deter them. To keep mice away, try these prevention tips:
- Trim your yard, and keep bushes and tree limbs away from exterior walls.
- Seal holes, cracks, and crevices around the home’s foundation and entryways with silicone-based caulk or steel wool.
- Repair anything inside or out of your home that is causing excess moisture.
- Store woodpiles, flower pots, and outdoor trash away from the home.
- Make sure doors and windows completely seal and have hole-free screens.
- Vacuum regularly, sanitize often, and de-clutter around the house.
- Store food in glass or metal containers, including pet food.
If you discover that it’s gone beyond prevention, and there’s a mouse population that needs dealing with, there are still ways to get rid of mice naturally. At Pro Active Pest Control, our pest solutions are effective and environmentally friendly.
How To Get Rid Of Mice
When you become desperate to get rid of mice, you might turn to over-the-counter poisons or traps. However, these methods can’t take care of an entire population of mice effectively. At Pro Active Pest Control, our thorough and safe inspection, treatment, and seasonal visits can get rid of mice and keep your home safe from pests year-round. To discuss how we can work with you to fortify your Lincoln home against pests of all kinds and through every season, call Pro Active Pest Control today for your free quote.